DATES/TIMES: The Christmas season opens on Dec. 6 with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The village will be adorned with lights and decorations through Dec. 31. Santa visits on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2-6 p.m. (bring your own camera)

DISTANCE: 14 miles west from downtown Columbus

DESCRIPTION: The Historical Village in Olde Hilliard's Weaver Park will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights all month. Each weekend, events like kids' activities, trolley rides, music and plays will take place. Consult their website for specific times and activities.

STATE AUTO CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

ADDRESS: 518 E. Broad St. (Downtown), Columbus 43215

PHONE: 614-444-9950

WEB: stateauto.com/about/page.aspx?id=2042

PRICE: free

DATES/TIMES: The lights will be turned on and the display officially opens on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The display can be toured any time through Jan. 1. The lights are turned on every day from 6-8 a.m. and 5:30-11:30 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The display also will be lit from 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve until 8 a.m. on Christmas Day.

DESCRIPTION: Come and go as you please (and follow their cell-phone-guided tour) for this outdoor display, which features a life-size Nativity scene with more than 75 figures. Enjoy choral performances at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23. Parking available in the State Auto lot at the southeast corner of Broad and Washington streets.

Here's a recap of the events we highlighted in our November 2012 issue that are continuing through the winter season:

DATES/TIMES: through Dec. 31; the Statehouse is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Christmas Day. The Statehouse Museum is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. weekends. From Dec. 3-18, there will be a free holiday musical performance at 12 noon in the Museum Gallery.

DESCRIPTION: Take a weekend journey to Coshocton to experience Christmas during the 1800s. Guided tours will teach you and your family about traditions from holiday seasons of old, and the Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies bring another tradition to life as you sing "Silent Night" while walking through the streets during a candlelit night.

DATES/TIMES: open all year but in December, dates and times vary. It's closed Mondays-Wednesdays, and on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Check the website for times on specific dates.

DISTANCE: 141 miles northeast from downtown Columbus

DESCRIPTION: You've probably seen "A Christmas Story" more times than you can count. But did you know there's an entire museum dedicated to the classic film, right in Cleveland? See props and costumes from the movie, peruse the gift shop and take a tour of the house.

TIMES: any time; a light show synchronized to holiday music takes place every night at the Guernsey County Courthouse from 5:30-9 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1

DISTANCE: 80 miles east from downtown Columbus

DESCRIPTION: Travel back to the time of Charles Dickens when you visit this Victorian Village. Throughout the holiday season, there's a plethora of activities: Performances of "White Christmas," a Holiday Tour of Homes, Christmas Movie Nights and a light show that takes place at the Courthouse every evening. There's also a life-size display featuring holiday scenes, including from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

DESCRIPTION: Kids will love a visit with Santa Claus while riding on a train! Children have the chance to tell the jolly Santa what they'd like for Christmas, and will enjoy a little treat. After the ride, visit the Train Shop to browse for souvenirs. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance, as they often sell out.

DESCRIPTION: The first stop once you board the North Pole Express (which is heated!) is to the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Junction, where you'll meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There, kids can also color pictures and enjoy hot chocolate and a treat before heading back to Lebanon Station.

THE LEGENDARY LIGHTS AT CLIFTON MILL

ADDRESS: Clifton Mill, 75 Water St., Clifton 45316

PHONE: 937-767-5501

WEB: cliftonmill.com

PRICE: $10 ages 7+, free for ages 0-6; free parking

DATES: Through Jan. 1

TIME: Gates are open from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; lights are on from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; closes at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

DISTANCE: 40 miles southwest from downtown Columbus

DESCRIPTION: Prepare to be dazzled: This holiday lights display feature more than 3.5 million lights. Don't miss the covered bridge and miniature village, and you'll even get to see Santa's workshop. Plus, there's a Santa Claus Museum and a gift shop.